Living in the southeast, we all know that Hurricane season will soon be upon us. There are many things we will need to do to prepare, but following are some things that can be done now, pre-hurricane season, to lessen the burden once the storm season is approaches.

First of all, your homeowners insurance... check the amount of your coverage, and your deductibles, especially hurricane deductibles, and then contact your agent regarding any increases/changes you may want to make. Remember, most insurance companies will not make changes to your existing policy, or write new policies, when a hurricane is approaching.

Along with your homeowner's insurance policy, you will want to keep copies of your auto insurance policy, a list of account numbers and phone numbers for any bill you normally pay, in a sealed waterproof case. It is also a good idea to verify the contact numbers before the season starts, and to obtain alternate phone numbers outside your area, in case there is damage to your local agent's office.

If you have a computer with a lot of irreplaceable files, photos, music etc. you may want to consider backing up your files now, whether you purchase an external backup for your computer, or copy your files onto CDs. It's a very time consuming process and not something you would normally do at the last minute.

Look over your home and your property. This may be a good time to have trees cut down or large, overhanging, dead branches trimmed, since landscaping companies will tend to be less busy in the off-season. Check your window seals and door seals for leaks. Spraying with a hose from outside, while someone is on the other side to check is one way to do it. Double entry doors should have double bolts to anchor in floor and ceiling. From personal experience, even with the bolts in and hurricane shutters over the doors, they still felt like they were going to break open!

Make sure you have every window and door covered. Removable shutters should be properly labeled or numbered to save time installing them. If you moved into a new residence, and it came with shutters, try to do a practice run with them, making sure all parts etc. are there. If you don't have shutters or plywood yet, now's the time. If you have a garage, make sure you can brace that door, especially to the frame, check with garage door companies or home improvement stores for the best solutions for your doors. Take pictures of your home and property, inside and out and keep them in your waterproof case (many times this is overlooked when rushing to prepare).

Think about your pet(s). Are they up to date on their vaccines? Are their rabies & identification tags on their collar? Making their yearly appointment prior to June 1st will insure that they are in good shape. If you don't own a carrier or portable kennel, get one, especially if you live in an evacuation zone. Check local agencies prior to hurricane season to determine which shelters accept pets. Some will not accept pets without your registering them prior to a hurricane. If you plan to evacuate to a hotel out of your area, check in advance as to their pet policy. Larger animals, such as horses, I'd suggest a microchip, tag or some other sort of permanent device to identify them in case they get loose after a storm. Horse owners I know use different methods of identification, such as ID bands, braiding a waterproof tag into the tail, even spray painting address/phone info! Those were last minute attempts though. It is also a good idea to keep pictures of you and your animals, along with any important documentation (like your horse's coggins test, or other health records) in your waterproof case, for proof of ownership. Check with your County Government agencies, there may be a registration program for your animals and such emergencies.

Remember, these are all things that can be completed BEFORE hurricane season. The past few years should be a lesson to all of us! Early preparation is a must and getting ahead by having all of these things done, will make the 'last minute' arrangements not so 'last minute' and (no pun intended) a breeze.

Here's the list once again, for your WATERPROOF case: (keep the case portable, but locked in a safe or fire proof cabinet until hurricane) INSURANCE POLICIES, with verified emergency contact numbers out of your area. PHOTOS, of your property, pets, anything of value that you own & want to document. OWNERSHIP RECORDS, for pets & livestock, such as registrations, health records, etc. IRREPLACABLE RECORDS, such as all bills you pay, along with their account numbers, contact phone numbers, login info, backup CDs etc.